Australia’s road to Brazil
The Socceroos will go into the finals with tournament experience as part of their preparations after they play in, and host, the East Asian Cup in July. Australia will play three games in eight days against China, South Korea and Japan.
Australia will face the host nation when they play a friendly match away to Brazil on September 6.
Australia’s finals record
The Socceroos have played in three previous World Cup finals: 1974 in West Germany; 2006 in Germany; and 2010 in South Africa.
They have played 10 World Cup finals games with a record of two wins, three draws and five defeats. They have scored eight goals and conceded 17. ? The draw for next year’s finals is on December 6 in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil.
8
The number of goals Australia scored in their three previous finals campaigns. Australia failed to score in 1974, netted five in Germany 2006 and three in South Africa three years ago.
Who else qualifies?
In total, 32 teams will make the World Cup finals. Australia, Japan, Iran and South Korea have already qualified alongside hosts Brazil.
Europe holds the biggest contingent of participants with 13 allocated places.
South America has the second largest allocation with a minimum of five participants (including hosts Brazil) and the possibility of six depending on the outcome of play-offs.
Africa has a set quota of five nations.
Asia has a minimum of four set places and up to five.
North/Central America has three to four places available.
Oceania has no set place but the possibility of one spot.
The last of the qualifiers are on November 19 with play-offs in Europe, Africa and then intercontinental ties between South American, Asian, Central/North American and Oceanian nations.
20
The age gap between the oldest and youngest Socceroos who took part in Australia’s 1-0 win over Iraq. Marck Schwarzer is 40 and Tom Rogic is 20.
THE SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Should go: Mark Schwarzer
In contention: Adam Federici, Mitch Langerak, Eugene Galekovic, Mat Ryan
Fullbacks
Should go: Luke Wilkshire, Matt McKay
In contention: Jade North, Ryan McGowan, Michael Zullo, Aziz Behich, Ivan Franjic, Jason Davidson, Rhys Williams, Adama Traore
Central defenders
Should go: Lucas Neill, Sasa Ognenovski
In contention: Michael Thwaite, Robert Cornthwaite, Trent Sainsbury, Curtis Good, Matthew Spiranovic
Holding/central midfield
Should go: Mark Milligan, Mark Bresciano, Mile Jedinak, James Holland
In contention: Carl Valeri
Attacking midfield/No.10
Should go: Brett Holman, Tom Rogic, Robbie Kruse, Tommy Oar, Alex Brosque
In contention: Dario Vidosic, Brett Emerton, Harry Kewell, Adam Sarota, Richard Garcia, James Troisi, Terry Antonis, Aaron Mooy
Strikers
Should go: Tim Cahill, Josh Kennedy, Archie Thompson
In contention: Eli Babalj, Nikita Rukavytsya, Adam Taggart
AAP